Family still seeking justice 1 year after murders

 

It has been a year since Nicole Watson and her teen son, Jacob, were targets of the shooting incident. Jacob survived but injured. Family and other loved ones of Nicole gathered in the West Side parking lot where the shooting incident occurred on this grim anniversary. It was a spot that was very significant for them because it painfully reminded them of what happened on that fateful day. Her family and friends came together in remembrance of her spirit and the love shared with her.

Over the last twelve months, Nicole's siblings, mother, and father have shared an assortment of milestones with her-things such as birthdays, holidays, family gatherings, and more. With each passing birthday, holiday, or family gathering, she was not going to be there. That's one of those things: She will no longer be present. Though their hearts were heavy with grief, they tried to move on and celebrate all those moments, as Nicole's spirit lived inside them. Her loss left pain, but the strength within them arose when their relation brought them closer, helping them sort through the tough year that followed, keeping in mind the memories they had of her and trying to see a light as keeping her legacy ahead in life is not a small thing to do.

"Beyond hell. Losing my child. I haven't recovered," said Paul Watson, Nicole's father.

For years, so much pain has been endured by the Watson family, but it never hurt like it did for Nicole's father to see his grandson lying in the hospital. On Tuesday, May 9, 2023, Nicole had just picked her son from the house of his grandmother. The family was relieved finally to have him back home, but the joy moved sadly with fear and then forthwith joy. Soon after, a heavy combat between two rival gangs broke out close to the grandmother's residence. Noises and terrors poured into the housing complex to create an atmosphere of danger. Now, both Nicole and her son had unfortunately fallen in the crossfire of this frightening event. The accident has left a mark within the family, but most of all in the grandfather, helpless with the knowledge that his grandson was hurt and presently is lying in the hospital fighting for recovery. This care and tension from the situation weigh heavy on his mind, which projects a challenge that is greater compared to what the family has been through.

The sad incident took place in the 2300 block of West Van Buren Street in the neighborhood of Near West Side-a neighborhood that has become appealing due to the sweet community and deep history found there. On this occasion, that place is where a sad incidence has happened that has left many in a state of shock. A 44-year-old mother who had just completed her bachelor's degree in accounting was the victim. This milestone was a reflection of her hard work and determination to secure a better future for herself and her family.

In this painful time, memories of Nicole remain tight in the hearts of loved ones: her laughter, her kindness, and the dreams she had, both for her life and her kids. Each memory reminds them of how she affected the people in her life. Now, her family is seeking justice over her death and are hoping that the police can catch her murderer soon. Their search for justice is more than any accountabilities but also finding some peace amidst all the turbulence and grief they have gone through.